Wilco Kelderman (Belkin) proved that he is a dangerous dark horse in Paris-Nice when he made a late attack to finish third in today's first hilly stage in the race. Now sitting in sixth overall, the young Dutchman claims to be feeling really well and he has the complete support from his team.

Wilco Kelderman rode to third place in Wednesday's fourth stage as Belkin Pro Cycling Team took the initiative as the race changed gears at Paris-Nice. Kelderman gained a valuable four-second time-bonus with third place to climb into sixth overall at 15 seconds behind.

Tom-Jelte Slagter won the stage and Geraint Thomas took the leader's jersey, as Kelderman crossed the line third just five seconds back.

"I came to the front with the final kilometer, and I tried to attack. I came close to the front, but they sprinted and I could not catch them," Kelderman said. "I felt good on the climbs, so that's good for the coming days."

An early breakaway was neutralized late in the 201.5km stage from Nevers to Belleville, with four short but steep climbs that saw sprinters, such as Belkin's Moreno Hofland, lose contact with the leaders. 

"We knew today was the first real test for the GC, and Wilco is our leader," said Belkin Sports Director Merijn Zeeman. "The team did a great job positioning him at the front for the final climb. Wilco is in fantastic shape, and you could see that on the climb when he stayed with the leaders."

Kelderman was able to follow the elite group of favorites over the day final steep climb, then attacked out of the final kilometer to claim third.

"The bonus seconds for GC is also very important. This Paris-Nice course, it's very important for the placings, because there are no mountain-top finishes," Kelderman said. "I think I can do well here. Now it's up to me for the GC. Moreno did really well until now. The spirit is very good on the team."

Zeeman said the team will work for Kelderman for the closing four stages of Paris-Nice, the season's first major stage race.

"We are confident in Wilco for the rest of the race, and we will make a plan each day to defend him," Zeeman said. "It's going to be a big fight. The rest of the guys are OK and ready to work for Wilco. Today was the first big test, and this gives us confidence for the coming days."

You can read a preview of stage 5 here and follow our live coverage at 14.25 CET on CyclingQuotes.com/live.